Immigrants to have access to council housing and benefits restricted

According to reports in The Sunday Times, the plans, which would build on provisions in the Localism Bill - which will give councils new powers to determine who qualifies to join their waiting list - are set to be announced later this year.

Under the Localism Bill Government will, however, set the categories considered to have the greatest housing needs.

The move to restrict waiting list for immigrants will see councils allowed to assess applicants according to how long they have lived in an area and how strong their connections are, whereas the current system is based on need. Read More: